As we head into the run up to Christmas, it’s time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, and put up our beloved Christmas decorations.
While Sunday 1st December is the beginning of Advent and the official date that your Christmas tree should go on display, we know some of us will be starting sooner!
Picking the perfect decorations for your home is an important part of many festive routines across the country - but what about picking the perfect tree?
Real vs Fake Christmas trees: how to choose which is right for you?
A previous YouGov survey found that 15% of Brits who celebrate Christmas will buy a real tree, leaving the remaining 85% with an artificial alternative - but many of us still wonder “are real christmas trees better than artificials”?
Our previous research found that most people (39%) think artificial trees are better for the environment than real ones. However, The Carbon Trust calculated that artificial Christmas trees actually have CO2 emissions of around 40 kg if they end up in landfill - versus a real tree with about 16 kg CO2 - a huge difference.
Therefore, for those who don’t already own a tree, as an initial purchase, a real tree works out as the more-eco friendly option - especially if you want a new one every year!
However, if you already own an artificial tree, it’s always better to hold onto this than to buy a new one or switch to another type of tree. To make your purchase eco-friendly and offset its emissions, you’ll need to keep hold of your tree for at least 10-15 years.
How long does a real Christmas tree last?
Typically, a well kept tree will keep for four to five weeks after being chopped, but this can vary based on the species of your tree, and obviously, how well you treat it.
For those who like to collect their evergreens from the end of November onwards, keeping them looking happy and healthy until New Years can become a bit of a challenge.
For those looking to keep their tree healthy throughout the season, and avoid spending the holidays with a drooping, wilting, or even dead Christmas tree, our team at
100Green have shared
5 ways you can keep your real Christmas tree fresh and ensure it makes it to Christmas Day.
How to keep a Christmas tree alive until the end of the festive season
1. Find the freshest tree
It goes without saying that the top method for how to keep a real Christmas tree fresh, is to start by choosing the freshest tree.
Ideally buying your tree from where it was grown is a great option, as the tree hasn't travelled is less stressed by transit.
To find your local Christmas Tree Farm, you can go to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association who have a handy online directory.
If you choose to buy your tree from somewhere else and you are unsure how fresh it is, run your hand along one of the branches. If the needles feel flexible, and very few fall off, this is most likely a fresh tree.
It’s also worth considering choosing FSC-certified trees, which are sustainably grown and harvested with minimal environmental impact in the UK, making them better overall.
2. Trim your base
Christmas Tree Farm's and dedicated garden centres will often trim the base for you before you take your tree away. But if you know this hasn't been done, once you’re home , cut about an inch off the trunk’s base
Russell Parkins is our local Christmas Tree grower and also the Chairman of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association. His top tip to keep your tree fresh is to boil your kettle and fill up your tree stand / bucket with freshly boiled water.
By cutting the base and using freshly boiled water, this helps to soften any hardened sap and allow the tree to absorb water more effectively, keeping it hydrated for longer. A hydrated tree is less likely to shed needles and keep its vibrant colour. But, be sure to place it in boiled water as soon as possible after the cut, as sap can quickly seal the base and reduce the tree’s ability to drink.
3. Keep your tree watered
Besides placing it in water immediately, it’s important to continue watering the tree over time - just as you would with flowers and normal houseplants. In fact, a real Christmas tree can drink up to a litre of water per day, so keeping fresh water topped up is essential for the trees’ health.
So, how often do you need to water a Christmas tree? Well, a tree can take up to 48 hours to start drinking water, so it’s recommended to check the water level daily, and refill it as needed.
4. Keep away from heat and draughts
Real Christmas trees dry out quickly when exposed to heat, so keep your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and direct sunlight where possible. It's also recommended to keep the room temperature slightly cooler to help the tree retain its moisture.
As well as this, old-style Christmas lights can also contribute to drying out the tree, so opt for some energy-efficient LED lights, as these produce less heat which both saves energy, and helps your tree stay fresh longer.
Also be mindful of draughts. Our local Christmas Tree Farmer, Russell strongly advices to keep your fresh tree away from windows or doors that are regularly opened as a constant draught can dry out the branches.
5. Increase your humidity
If it isn’t already obvious, keeping your tree hydrated is vital for its health and growth, and besides keeping the water topped up, you should also be misting its branches. This will help to maintain moisture levels of the tree, and keep the needles from drying out.
To do this, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the tree once or twice a week, as this mimics the natural humidity that trees would receive outdoors, helping to preserve their needles and keep that fresh, green look for longer.
Keep the season sustainable
At 100Green, we believe in celebrating sustainably, and caring for your tree with these simple tips can make a positive impact on both the environment, and your Christmas decor.
If you’re looking to make sustainable and cost-saving changes for Christmas, check out our other guides below:
Sustainable alternatives to this new Christmas tree trend
How to grow your own Christmas dinner
Energy saving tips for the winter